Politics News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on politics from Breeze in Busan.
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From K-pop to Civic Movements: Women Redefining Protest in South Korea
The streets of Seoul come alive with the glow of K-pop lightsticks and the rhythmic chants of young women leading the charge for change. Amidst the banners and coordinated choreography, a striking pattern emerges: these protests are overwhelmingly driven by young women in their twenties, while their male counterparts remain a quieter presence, often relegated to online discussions or absent altogether. It is a stark departure from the gender-balanced activism of South Korea’s past, raising profo
8 min read
The Jones Act, South Korean Shipyards, and U.S. Naval Ambitions: What’s at Stake?
South Korea, a global leader in shipbuilding technology and innovation, stands at the crossroads of opportunity and risk as the United States increasingly looks to its trusted ally to bolster its naval capabilities. With China's rapid naval expansion threatening to eclipse U.S. maritime dominance, and America's shipbuilding industry grappling with decades of decline, the stage is set for an unprecedented collaboration. However, this partnership carries complex challenges: how can South Korea pre
10 min read
UK's Immigration Surge Prompts Policy Overhaul
The UK finds itself grappling with the highest immigration levels in its history, igniting debates on economic sustainability, public services, and national identity. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration reached a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023, far exceeding historical norms. By June 2024, stricter visa policies contributed to a decline, with net migration falling to 728,000, yet the broader challenges persist. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, addressing th
5 min read
Comparing Prosecutorial Systems: What South Korea Can Learn
South Korea's prosecutorial system has been at the center of public and political discourse for decades, embodying a microcosm of the challenges inherent in balancing democracy and the rule of law. At the heart of this debate is the unique power wielded by prosecutors, who possess both investigative and prosecutorial authority—an arrangement that critics argue consolidates too much power in a single institution. As South Korea pushes forward with prosecutorial reforms, the debate offers a profou
5 min read
Reviving American Shipyards: South Korea's Gains and Risks
As the United States confronts an urgent need to modernize its aging naval fleet, its attention has shifted toward South Korea’s world-class shipbuilding industry. For decades, South Korea has dominated the global shipbuilding market, producing advanced LNG carriers, military vessels, and eco-friendly cargo ships with unparalleled efficiency. However, recent discussions between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol suggest a significant pivot in U.S. strategy
14 min read
Polarization, Corruption, and Inequality: Democracy’s Fragile Future
In recent years, the global conversation around democracy has shifted from celebration to concern. Once hailed as the ultimate form of governance, democracy now faces unprecedented challenges. Brazil, a country that transitioned from military dictatorship to democracy in the 1980s, exemplifies the vulnerabilities inherent in democratic systems. Corruption scandals, economic inequality, and the rise of populist rhetoric have eroded trust in Brazil’s institutions, highlighting the fragility of dem
12 min read
How Trump’s Presidency Could Impact N. Korea, Russia, and Ukraine
In a world where alliances and tensions shape the geopolitical landscape, the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency is poised to stir waves across Asia and Europe, particularly affecting North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine. Trump’s unorthodox foreign policy approach has previously redefined diplomatic engagement with both allies and adversaries. As he prepares to re-enter the Oval Office, questions loom about how his administration will handle relationships with Pyongyang, Moscow, and Kyi
5 min read
Trump, Misinformation, and Conflict Resolution in Ukraine
With the 2024 U.S. election approaching, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited debates about the future of American foreign policy. Known for his transactional, often personal approach to diplomacy, Trump has a track record of engaging directly with authoritarian leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the ongoing Ukraine conflict has generated intense scrutiny over the true motivations and responsibilities behind it.
6 min read
North Korea’s Alleged Troop Support for Russia: Fact or Strategy?
Recent reports have stirred global attention, alleging that North Korea has sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Ukrainian and South Korean intelligence sources claim that North Korean soldiers, including special forces, are stationed in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang firmly deny these allegations. Adding a layer of complexity, there is growing speculation that North Korea may not have sent combat troops, but rather technical per
4 min read
Kalshi Predicts Trump Leads 2024, But Polls Show Tight Race
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, political analysts and everyday citizens alike are turning to a variety of forecasting tools to gauge the likely outcome of the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Among these tools is Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated prediction market where users can trade on the outcomes of real-world events, including political elections. As of October 2024, Kalshi’s markets show Donald Trump leading with a 57% chance of winni
5 min read
Why South Korea’s Emergency Room Crisis Needs More Than Just Patient Penalties
In a bid to address the growing strain on South Korea’s emergency rooms, the government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at curbing the influx of non-critical patients. Among these, the most controversial is the significant increase in fees for those seeking emergency care for less severe conditions. This policy, ostensibly designed to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments, has sparked a wave of criticism for its apparent misdiagnosis of the real issues at hand. Rather than tac
6 min read
The Drivers Behind Youth Engagement with Far-Right Politics
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a notable rise in the popularity of far-right ideologies, especially among the younger population. This trend is not isolated but part of a broader global phenomenon where economic, social, and political upheavals are reshaping traditional political landscapes. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy have seen significant shifts as far-right parties gain traction, promising to address issues such as immigration, national identity, and economic insecurity.
17 min read